Hinged support column

ABSTRACT

A piling for use in building construction having an upper and a lower piling connected at a hinge. The hinge has a first and a second axis. The hinged connection allows an entire wall to be framed at ground level leaving one end of each upper piling connected to the lower piling, by a first pin on the first axis, and the upper end of each upper piling tilted onto the ground. A variety of framing pieces are used to connect the upper pilings together to frame a wall. Once framing of a wall is complete, the wall is hoisted into an upright position, about the first pins, bringing the entire hinge together. A second pin is inserted along the second axis in each of the hinges to secure the upper pilings in an upright position.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/452,897 filed on Mar. 7, 2003, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/494,690 filed on Aug. 12, 2003 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/526,839 filed on Dec. 4, 2003.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The subject invention relates to a piling assembly for a building. More specifically, the subject invention relates to a hinged piling assembly for a building.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Typically, post-frame construction of buildings employs setting a series of pilings, usually made of wood, into the earth to define the perimeter of the building. Once the perimeter is set with the pilings, the building is framed in an upright position by connecting wall girts to the adjacent pilings. A disadvantage of using wood piling is that they can break down in the earth over time and, in the case of chemically treated wood, the pilings can release chemicals into the ground. To overcome this particular problem, it is known in the art to use a two-piece piling assembly having an upper and a lower piling where the lower piling is reinforced concrete. Once the lower piling is set into the ground, the upper piling is attached to the upper piling and framing of the building commences.

To facilitate this type of construction, the upper and lower pilings can be connected at a hinge. The building walls are framed on the ground using the upper pilings. Following construction of the frame, each wall is rotated upward about the hinged connection and pinned for retention.

An example of this type of construction can be seen in U.S. Pat. No. 4,662,146 to Parry (the '146 patent). A lower hinge plate is connected to the top of the lower piling by fasteners. The hinge plate is a generally flat plate having a pair of opposing walls that extend vertically from edges of the hinge plate. A pair of opposing grooves are defined in front edges of the opposing walls, at the plate. Similarly, a pair of opposing holes are defined near the rear edges of the opposing walls. A shoe is attached to a lower end of the upper piling by fasteners. The shoe has a flat bottom and three walls that extend vertically from edges of the bottom. Two of the walls are opposing with the third wall extending between the rear edges. A pair of opposing pins extend from the lower front edge of the opposing walls, at the bottom. Similarly, a pair of opposing holes are defined in the opposing walls near the rear of the walls, spaced from the bottom.

The lower end of the lower piling is set in the ground, leaving the upper end of the piling exposed. On the ground, frames, made up of columns with rafters or beams, are connected together at a gable. The shoes are attached to the lower ends of the columns. Each frame is positioned such that the pins of the shoe are slid into the corresponding grooves on the lower hinge plate. Using a cable assembly, the frame is pulled into an upright position, rotating about the pins. This brings the holes on the shoe into alignment with the holes on the lower hinge plate. The frame is retained in an upright position by inserting pins through the holes.

This type of construction increases the amount of work that can be performed at ground level and could conceivably allow a single individual to hoist the frame into an upright position. However, it would still require more than one person to align the pins of the frame to the hinge plates of the lower pilings that are pre-set into the ground. The present invention is aimed at one or more of the problems identified above.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a piling assembly 100 for a building with a lower piling 112 having a first and a second end 114, 116 and a first longitudinal axis 118 extending therethrough. A lower hinge 124 extends from the first end 114 and defines at least one lower first hole 126 on a first axis 128 spaced from the end 114. An upper piling 130 has a column 132 and a second longitudinal axis 134 extending therethrough. An upper hinge 136 extends from the column 132 and defines at least one upper first hole 138 on the first axis 128. A first pin 144 extends through the upper and lower first holes 126, 138 on the first axis 128 for engaging and supporting the hinges 136, 124 when the longitudinal axes 118, 134 are aligned.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1A is an exploded perspective view of a piling assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is an perspective view of an unassembled piling assembly with the reinforcing cage encased in concrete;

FIG. 2 is perspective view of the assembled piling assembly with various framing pieces attached to the upper and lower pilings and with the upper piling in a downward tilted position;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the assembled piling assembly with various framing pieces attached to the upper and lower pilings and with the upper piling in an upright and locked position;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a second alternative piling assembly;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a second alternative piling assembly with the reinforcing cage encased in concrete;

FIG. 4C is a sectional side view of the hinged and pinned connection between the upper and lower hinges for a second alternative piling assembly;

FIG. 4D is a sectional side view of the upper piling for a second alternative piling assembly;

FIG. 4E is a sectional side view of the lower piling for a second alternative piling assembly;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a reinforcing cage for a third alternative of a lower piling;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a reinforcing cage for a third alternative of a lower piling;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a first end of a reinforcing cage for a third alternative of a lower piling;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second end of a reinforcing cage for a third alternative of a lower piling;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a hinge for a third alternative of an upper piling;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the hinged connection between the upper and lower piling for a third alternative of a piling assembly with the upper piling tilted away from the lower piling about a pin;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the hinged connection between the upper and lower piling for a third alternative of a piling assembly with the upper and lower piling in the upright and locked positions;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a reinforcing cage for a fourth alternative of a lower piling;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a lower piling for a fourth alternative of a lower piling with the reinforcing cage encased in concrete;

FIG. 14 is a exploded view of the adjustable hinge of a lower reinforcing cage encased in concrete for a fourth alternative of a lower piling;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an assembled adjustable hinge for a fourth alternative of a lower piling;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a hinge for a fourth alternative of an upper piling;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a hinged connection between the upper and lower piling for a fourth alternative of a piling assembly with the upper piling tilted away from the lower piling about a pin;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the hinged connection between the upper and lower piling for a fourth alternative of a piling assembly with the upper and lower piling in the upright and locked positions;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a reinforcing cage for a fifth alternative of a piling assembly;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a first end of a reinforcing cage for a lower piling for a fifth alternative of a piling assembly;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a second end of a reinforcing cage for a lower piling for a fifth alternative of a piling assembly;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a push rod assembly for a fifth alternative of a piling assembly;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an assembled lower reinforcing cage encased in concrete for a fifth alternative of a piling assembly;

FIG. 24 is a sectional view of a lower piling for a fifth alternative of a piling assembly inserted into the ground with the column in the lowered position;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a lower piling for a fifth alternative of a piling assembly inserted into the ground with the push rod mechanism threaded into the center hole;

FIG. 26 is a sectional view of a lower piling for a fifth alternative of a piling assembly inserted into the ground with the push rod mechanism threaded into the center hole and the lower piling in the raised position;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a lower piling for a fifth alternative of a piling assembly inserted into the ground with the push rod mechanism threaded into the center hole and the lower piling in the raised position and concrete poured to set the height;

FIG. 28 is a sectional view of a lower piling for a fifth alternative of a piling assembly inserted into the ground with the push rod mechanism threaded into the center hole and the lower piling in the raised position and concrete poured to set the height;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a lower piling assembly for a fifth alternative of a piling assembly set into the ground in the raised position with the upper piling tilted away from the lower piling about a pin; and

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a lower piling assembly for a fifth alternative of a piling assembly set into the ground in the raised position with the upper and lower pilings in the upright and locked positions

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views, a piling assembly for a building is shown generally at 100. The piling assembly 100 comprises a lower piling 112 hingedly connected to an upper piling 130. The lower piling has a first and a second end 114, 116 with a first longitudinal axis 118 extending therethrough. The upper piling 130 has a column 132 with a second longitudinal axis 134 extending therethrough.

A reinforcing cage 120 extends between the ends 114, 116 and concrete 122 encases the cage 120. Many types of reinforcing cages 120 are known in the area of pilings. One type of reinforcing cage 120 is shown in FIG. 1A. Here, a plurality of vertically extending reinforcing rods 123 defines the perimeter of the reinforcing cage 120. A plurality of reinforcing hoops 121, formed from wire or rods, are rigidly connected to the vertically extending reinforcing rods 123 at the inside of the perimeter of the reinforcing cage 120 to provide additional reinforcement. The rods 123 are rigidly connected to a plurality of horizontally placed rods 125 to form a footing 127. In one aspect of the present invention, shown in FIG. 1B, the lower piling 112 is pre-cast off-site and transported to the job site. A plurality of thru-holes 133 can be pre-cast into the concrete 122 to attach various framing pieces F, concrete anchors, etc. to the lower piling 112. Typically, a hole is dug into the earth for receiving a portion of the lower piling 112. Following excavation of the hole, the second end 116, and a portion of the lower piling 112, is buried below ground. Finally, the hole is back filled with dirt, concrete or any other suitable material.

To provide an attachment scheme for the upper piling 130, a lower hinge 124 extends from the first end 114 and defines at least one lower first hole 126 on a first axis 128 that is spaced from the first end 114. The upper piling 130 has a column 132 and a second longitudinal axis 134 extending therethrough. Typically, the column 132 is comprised of wood, steel, aluminum or a composite. The upper hinge 136 extends from the column 132 and defines at least one upper first hole 138 on the first axis 128. The lower hinge 124 also defines a lower second hole 148, on a second axis 150 which is spaced transversely across the lower piling 112 from the lower first hole 126 and spaced from the first end 114. The upper hinge 136 also defines an upper second hole 152, on the second axis 150, which is spaced transversely across the upper piling 130 from the upper first hole 138.

In the early stages of building construction, the upper and lower hinges 136, 124 are partially interleaved, as shown in FIG. 2, such that only a first pin 144 connects the upper hinge 136 to the lower hinge 124, along the first axis 128, and the second longitudinal axis 134, for the upper piling 130, is at an angle to the first longitudinal axis 118, for the lower piling 112. As a result, the columns 132 for the building can set tilted onto the ground. This position allows wall girts G to be connected to the columns 132 to facilitate the framing of an entire wall, or at least a portion of a wall, at ground level. Once the framing with the wall girts G is completed, the upper pilings 130 that form an entire wall, or a portion of a wall, are hoisted upward as a single unit, pivoting about the first pin 144 on the first axis 128. Then, the upper pilings 130 are hoisted upward, about the first axis 128, until the upper and lower hinges 136, 124 are completely interleaved with one another and the second axes 150, for the upper and lower second holes 152, 148, are aligned. When the hinges 136, 124 are completely interleaved, the first pin 144 is extending through the upper and lower first holes 126, 138, on the first axis 128, to engage and support the hinges 136, 124. Likewise, a second pin 154 is extending through the upper and lower second holes 152, 148, on the second axis 150, to engage and support the hinges 136, 124 when the longitudinal axes 118, 134 are aligned, as shown in FIG. 3.

Each of the upper and lower hinges 136, 124 include a first plurality of hinge knuckles 146, disposed about the first pin 144, where the knuckles 146 of the upper hinge 136 are interleaved with the knuckles 146 of the lower hinge 124. The knuckles 146 hold the first pin 144 in spaced relationship to the upper and lower pilings 130, 112 to transmit longitudinal forces between the pilings 130, 112 through the first pin 144. These forces include the loads resulting from the weight of the wall girts G, the roof, various other building materials and environmental factors. Similarly, the hinges 136, 124 include a second plurality of locking knuckles 156 that are disposed about the second pin 154 with the locking knuckles 156 of the upper hinge 136 interleaved with the locking knuckles 156 of the lower hinge 124. The locking knuckles 156 hold the second pin 154 in spaced relationship to the pilings 130, 112 to transmit longitudinal forces between the pilings 130, 112 totally through the first and second pins 144, 154. Therefore, the pins 144, 154 support the entire load provided by the upper pilings 130, wall girts G, the roof, various other building materials and environmental factors.

Each of the hinges 136, 124 includes a plurality of plates 158 that are in spaced and parallel relationship. A gap 169 is defined between each of the plates 158 to facilitate the upper hinge 136 interleaving with the lower hinge 124. The first hole 126 or 138 is defined through each of the plates 158, along the first axis 128. The second hole 148 or 152 is also defined through each of the plates 158, along the second axis 150, and spaced transversely across each of the plates 158 from the first hole 126 or 138 respectively. Furthermore, the plates 158 define a bottom edge 162 and end edges 164.

The lower hinge 124 is attached to the lower piling 112 at the bottom edge 162 and the holes 126, 148 are in spaced relationship from the lower piling 112. The upper hinge 136 includes a bottom 166 and a pair of opposing walls 168 that extend upward from the bottom 166, along the column 132. The bottom edge 162 of each of the plates 158 are attached to the bottom 166 of the upper hinge 136 and the end edges 164 of each of the plates 158 are attached to the opposing walls 168. Furthermore, the bottom 166 and the opposing walls 168 define a plurality of grooves 170 that extend in spaced and parallel relationship across the bottom 166 and into a portion of the walls 168, between each of the plates 158. The grooves 170 allow the hinge plates 158 of the lower hinge 124 to interleave with the plates 158 of the upper hinge 136.

Another embodiment of the piling assembly 200, shown in FIGS. 4A-E, comprises a lower piling 212 hingedly connected to an upper piling 230. The lower piling 212 has a first and a second end 214, 216 and a first longitudinal axis 218 extending therethrough. The upper piling 230 has a column 232 and a second longitudinal axis 234 extending therethrough.

A reinforcing cage 220, as shown in FIG. 4A, extends between the ends 214, 216 and concrete 222 encases the cage 220. This embodiment of the lower piling 212 discloses another type of reinforcing cage that can be pre-cast off-site. The reinforcing cage 220 has four vertically extending rods 223 that define an outer perimeter of the reinforcing cage 220. The rods 223 curve outward at the second end 216 and are attached to a hooped rod 225 to define a footing 227. Corrugated support rods 221 are disposed between each pair of adjacent vertical rods 223 along the outer perimeter of the reinforcing cage 220, to provide additional reinforcement to the reinforcing cage 220. A plurality of thru-holes 233, for attaching various framing pieces F to the lower piling 212, can also be pre-cast into the lower piling 212, as shown in FIG. 4B.

To provide an attaching scheme, a lower hinge 224 extends from the first end 214 and defines at least one lower first hole 226 on a first axis 228 that is spaced from the first end 214. Similarly, the upper piling 230 has an upper hinge 236 that extends from the column 232 and defines at least one upper first hole 238 on the first axis 228. The lower hinge 224 also defines a lower second hole 248, on a second axis 250, and is spaced transversely across the lower piling 212 from the lower first hole 226 and spaced from the first end 214. Likewise, the upper hinge 236 defines an upper second hole 252, on the second axis 250, and is spaced transversely across the upper piling 230 from the upper first hole 238.

In the early stages of building construction, the upper and lower hinges 236, 224 are partially interleaved such that only a first pin 244 connects the upper hinge 236 to the lower hinge 224, along the first axis 228, and the second longitudinal axis 234, for the upper piling 230, is at an angle to the first longitudinal axis 218, for the lower piling 212. As a result, the columns 232 for the building can set tilted onto the ground. This position allows wall girts G to be connected to the columns 232 to facilitate the framing of an entire wall, or a partial wall, at ground level. Once the framing with the wall girts G is completed, the upper pilings 230 that form an entire wall, or a partial wall, are hoisted upward as a single unit, pivoting about the first pin 244 on the first axis 228. Then, the upper pilings 230 are hoisted upward, about the first axis 228, until the upper and lower hinges 236, 224 are completely interleaved with one another and the second axes 250, for the upper and lower second holes 252, 248 are aligned. When the hinges 236, 224 are completely interleaved, the first pin 244 extends through the upper and lower first holes 236, 226 on the first axis 228 to engage and support the hinges 236, 224. Likewise, a second pin 254 extends through the upper and lower second holes 252, 248 on the second axis 250 to engage and support the hinges 236, 224 when the longitudinal axes 218, 234 are aligned, as shown in FIG. 4C.

The hinges 236, 224 include a first plurality of hinge knuckles 246 that are disposed about the first pin 244, where the knuckles 246 of the upper hinge 236 are interleaved with the knuckles 246 of the lower hinge 224. The knuckles 246 hold the first pin 244 in spaced relationship to the pilings 212, 230 to transmit longitudinal forces between the pilings 212, 230 through the first pin 244. These forces include those resulting from the wall girts G, the roof of the building structure, and various other building materials and environmental factors. The hinges 236, 224 also include a second plurality of locking knuckles 256 that are disposed about the second pin 254 with the locking knuckles 256 of the upper hinge 236 interleaved with the locking knuckles 256 of the lower hinge 224. The locking knuckles 256 hold the second pin 254 in spaced relationship to the pilings 230, 212 for transmitting forces between the pilings 230, 212 through the first and second pins 244, 254.

Each of the knuckles 246, 256 on each of the hinges 236, 224 comprise a plurality of straps 272 that define a pin pocket 274 for encompassing at least a portion of the circumference of one of the pins 244, 254 extending therethrough. The pin pocket 274 defines the first hole 238, 226 in one of the knuckles 246 along the first axis 228. The pin pocket also defines the second hole 252, 248 in another one of the locking knuckles 256 along the second axis 250 which is spaced transversely across one of the hinges 236, 224 from the first hole 238, 226. Grooves 270 are defined between each of the straps 272 of one hinge 236, 224 for interleaving of the upper and lower hinges 236, 224.

Additionally, the upper hinge 236 includes a bottom 266 and a pair of opposing walls 268 that extend from the bottom 266 and across the upper pilings 230. The first and locking knuckles 246, 256 are disposed between the walls 268 and the bottom 266. In the upper piling 230, the knuckles 246, 256 are disposed in spaced relationship on the upper hinges 236 across the upper piling 230 and are also in spaced relationship to the column 232. Similarly, the lower hinge 224 is attached to the lower piling 212 at the walls 268. The lower holes 226, 248 are in spaced relationship to the first end 214 of the lower piling 212.

In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5-11, the piling assembly 300 comprises a height-adjustable lower piling 312 hingedly connected to an upper piling 330. The lower piling has a first and a second end 314, 316 with a first longitudinal axis 318 extending therethrough. The upper piling 330 has a column 332 with a second longitudinal axis 334 extending therethrough.

Another type of reinforcing cage 320 is shown in FIG. 6. Here, the reinforcing cage 320 is pre-cast in concrete 322. Within the reinforcing cage 320 are a plurality of two-piece vertical reinforcing rods 323, attached to a plurality of horizontally placed rods 325 that form a footing (not shown). Each of the two-piece vertical reinforcing rods 323 are comprised of a lower vertical reinforcing tube 329, which is internally threaded and integral to the reinforcing cage 320, and an upper vertical reinforcing rod 331, which has a lower threaded end for threaded engagement of the lower tube 329. To provide additional support to the reinforcing cage 320, a plurality of vertically fixed reinforcing rods 319 and a plurality of vertically spaced hoops 321 form a square perimeter. The lower piling 312 is pre-cast about the reinforcing cage 320 with vertical holes (not shown) that extend from the first end 314 to the lower vertical reinforcing tube 329. On the job site, a portion of the lower piling 312 can be cut off to a preferred height. This allows flexibility to level the lower pilings 312 once they are inserted into the ground, prior to connection to the upper pilings 330. After the pilings 312 are trimmed to the desired height at the job site, upper vertical reinforcing rods 331 are inserted through holes 313 in a lower hinge 324, into the vertical holes and then threaded into the lower vertical reinforcing tubes 329. Additionally, a plurality of thru-holes 333 can be pre-cast into the concrete 322 to facilitate attachment of various framing pieces F, concrete anchors, etc. to the lower piling 312. Typically, a hole is dug into the earth for receiving a portion of the lower piling 312. Following excavation of the hole, the second end 316, and a portion of the concrete 322, is buried below ground. Finally, the hole is back filled with dirt, concrete or any other suitable material.

To provide an attachment scheme for the upper piling 330, the lower hinge 324 extends from the first end 314 and defines at least one lower first hole 326 on a first axis 328 that is spaced from the first end 314. The upper piling 330 has a column 332 and a second longitudinal axis 334 extending therethrough. Typically, the column 332 is comprised of wood, steel, aluminum or a composite. The upper hinge 336 extends from the column 332 and defines at least one upper first hole 338 on the first axis 328. The lower hinge 324 also defines a lower second hole 348, on a second axis 350 which is spaced transversely across the lower piling 312 from the lower first hole 326 and spaced from the first end 314. The upper hinge 336 also defines an upper second hole 352, on the second axis 350, which is spaced transversely across the upper piling 330 from the upper first hole 338.

In the early stages of building construction, the upper and lower hinges 336, 324 are partially interleaved, as shown in FIG. 10, such that only a first pin 344 connects the upper hinge 336 to the lower hinge 324, along the first axis 328, and the second longitudinal axis 334, for the upper piling 330, is at an angle to the first longitudinal axis 318, for the lower piling 312. As a result, the columns 332 for the building can set tilted onto the ground. This position allows wall girts G to be connected to the columns 332 to facilitate the framing of an entire wall, or at least a portion of a wall, at ground level. Once the framing with the wall girts G is completed, the upper pilings 330 that form an entire wall, or a portion of a wall, are hoisted upward as a single unit, pivoting about the first pin 344 on the first axis 328. Then, the upper pilings 330 are hoisted upward, about the first axis 328, until the upper and lower hinges 336, 324 are completely interleaved with one another and the second axes 350, for the upper and lower second holes 252, 248, are aligned. When the hinges 336, 324 are completely interleaved, the first pin 344 is extending through the upper and lower first holes 326, 338, on the first axis 328, to engage and support the hinges 336, 324. Likewise, a second pin 354 is extending through the upper and lower second holes 352, 348, on the second axis 350, to engage and support the hinges 336, 324 when the longitudinal axes 318, 334 are aligned, as shown in FIG. 11.

Each of the upper and lower hinges 336, 324 include a first plurality of hinge knuckles 346, disposed about the first pin 344, where the knuckles 346 of the upper hinge 336 are interleaved with the knuckles 346 of the lower hinge 324. The knuckles 346 hold the first pin 344 in spaced relationship to the upper and lower pilings 330, 312 to transmit longitudinal forces between the pilings 330, 312 through the first pin 344. These forces include the loads resulting from the weight of the wall girts G, the roof, various other building materials and environmental factors. Similarly, the hinges 336, 324 include a second plurality of locking knuckles 356 that are disposed about the second pin 354 with the locking knuckles 356 of the upper hinge 336 interleaved with the locking knuckles 356 of the lower hinge 324. The locking knuckles 356 hold the second pin 354 in spaced relationship to the pilings 330, 312 to transmit longitudinal forces between the pilings 330, 312 totally through the first and second pins 344, 354. Therefore, the pins 344, 354 support the entire load provided by the upper pilings 330, wall girts G, the roof, various other building materials and environmental factors.

Each of the hinges 336, 324 includes a plurality of plates 358 that are in spaced and parallel relationship. A gap 369 is defined between each of the plates 358 to facilitate the upper hinge 336 interleaving with the lower hinge 324. The first hole 326 or 338 is defined through each of the plates 358, along the first axis 328. The second hole 348 or 352 is also defined through each of the plates 358, along the second axis 350, and spaced transversely across each of the plates 358 from the first hole 326 or 338 respectively. Furthermore, the plates 358 define a bottom edge 362 and end edges 364.

The lower hinge 324 is attached to the reinforcing cage 320 of the lower piling 312 along the bottom edge 362 and the lower holes 326, 348 are in spaced relationship from the lower piling 312. The upper hinge 336 includes a bottom 366 and a pair of opposing walls 368 that extend upward from the bottom 366, along the column 332. The bottom edge 362 of each of the plates 358 are attached to the bottom 366 of the lower hinge 324 and the end edges 364 of each of the plates 358 are attached to the opposing walls 368. Furthermore, the bottom 366 and the opposing walls 368 define a plurality of grooves 370 that extend in spaced and parallel relationship across the bottom 366 and into a portion of the walls 368, between each of the plates 358. The grooves 370 allow the plates 358 of the lower hinge 324 to interleave with the plates 358 of the upper hinge 336.

Another embodiment of a piling assembly 400, shown in FIGS. 12-18, comprises a height adjustable lower piling 412 hingedly connected to an upper piling 430. The lower piling 412 has a first and a second end 414, 416 with a first longitudinal axis 418 extending therethrough. The upper piling 430 has a column 432 with a second longitudinal axis 434 extending therethrough.

Another type of reinforcing cage 420 is shown in FIG. 12. Here, a plurality of vertically extending reinforcing rods 423 defines the perimeter of the reinforcing cage 420. Additionally, vertically spaced wire 221 encircles the outer perimeter of the vertically extending rods 423 to provide additional reinforcement for the reinforcing cage 420. The vertical rods 423 flare outward at the second end 416 to form a footing 427. The vertical rods extend beyond the pre-cast concrete 422 at the first end 414, terminating at threaded ends 415. The lower piling 412 is pre-cast off-site and a plurality of thru-holes 433 can be pre-cast into the concrete 422 to attach various framing pieces F, concrete anchors, etc. to the lower piling 412. Typically, a hole is dug into the earth for receiving a portion of the lower piling 412. Following excavation of the hole, the second end 416, and a portion of the lower piling 412, is buried below ground. Finally, the hole is back filled with dirt, concrete or any other suitable material. To level the first ends 414 of the lower pilings 412, once the lower pilings 412 are set in the ground, shims 435 are placed over the threaded ends 414. Once the proper height is achieved, a lower hinge 424 is also placed over the threaded ends 414 and fastened in place with nuts 437.

To provide an attachment scheme for the upper piling 430, the lower hinge 424 extends from the first end 414 and defines at least one lower first hole 426 on a first axis 428 that is spaced from the first end 414. The upper piling 430 has a column 432 and a second longitudinal axis 434 extending therethrough. Typically, the column 432 is comprised of wood, steel, aluminum or a composite. The upper hinge 436 extends from the column 432 and defines at least one upper first hole 438 on the first axis 428. The lower hinge 424 also defines a lower second hole 448, on a second axis 450 which is spaced transversely across the lower piling 412 from the lower first hole 426 and spaced from the first end 414. The upper hinge 436 also defines an upper second hole 452, on the second axis 450, which is spaced transversely across the upper piling 430 from the upper first hole 438.

In the early stages of building construction, the upper and lower hinges 436, 424 are partially interleaved, as shown in FIG. 17, such that only a first pin 444 connects the upper hinge 436 to the lower hinge 424, along the first axis 428, and the second longitudinal axis 434, for the upper piling 430, is at an angle to the first longitudinal axis 418, for the lower piling 412. As a result, the columns 432 for the building can set tilted onto the ground. This position allows wall girts G to be connected to the columns 432 to facilitate the framing of an entire wall, or at least a portion of a wall, at ground level. Once the framing with the wall girts G is completed, the upper pilings 430 that form an entire wall, or a portion of a wall, are hoisted upward as a single unit, pivoting about the first pin 444 on the first axis 428. Then, the upper pilings 430 are hoisted upward, about the first axis 428, until the upper and lower hinges 436, 424 are completely interleaved with one another and the second axes 450, for the upper and lower second holes 452, 448, are aligned. When the hinges 436, 424 are completely interleaved, the first pin 444 is extending through the upper and lower first holes 426, 438, on the first axis 428, to engage and support the hinges 436, 424. Likewise, a second pin 454 is extending through the upper and lower second holes 452, 448, on the second axis 450, to engage and support the hinges 436, 424 when the longitudinal axes 418, 434 are aligned, as shown in FIG. 18.

Each of the upper and lower hinges 436, 424 include a first plurality of hinge knuckles 446, disposed about the first pin 444, where the knuckles 446 of the upper hinge 436 are interleaved with the knuckles 446 of the lower hinge 424. The knuckles 446 hold the first pin 444 in spaced relationship to the upper and lower pilings 430, 412 to transmit longitudinal forces between the pilings 430, 412 through the first pin 444. These forces include the loads resulting from the weight of the wall girts G, the roof, various other building materials and environmental factors. Similarly, the hinges 436, 424 include a second plurality of locking knuckles 456 that are disposed about the second pin 454 with the locking knuckles 456 of the upper hinge 436 interleaved with the locking knuckles 456 of the lower hinge 424. The locking knuckles 456 hold the second pin 454 in spaced relationship to the pilings 430, 412 to transmit longitudinal forces between the pilings 430, 412 totally through the first and second pins 444, 454. Therefore, the pins 444, 454 support the entire load provided by the upper pilings 430, wall girts G, the roof, various other building materials and environmental factors.

Each of the hinges 436, 424 includes a plurality of plates 458 that are in spaced and parallel relationship. A gap 469 is defined between each of the plates 458 to facilitate the upper hinge 436 interleaving with the lower hinge 424. The first hole 426 or 438 is defined through each of the plates 458, along the first axis 428. The second hole 448 or 452 is also defined through each of the plates 458, along the second axis 450, and spaced transversely across each of the plates 458 from the first hole 426 or 438 respectively. Furthermore, the plates 458 define a bottom edge 462 and end edges 464.

The lower hinge 424 is attached to the reinforcing cage 420 of the lower piling 412 along the bottom edge 462 and the holes 426, 448 are in spaced relationship from the lower piling 412. The upper hinge 436 includes a bottom 466 and a pair of opposing walls 468 that extend upward from the bottom 466, along the column 432. The bottom edge 462 of each of the plates 458 are attached to the bottom 466 of the lower hinge 424 and the end edges 464 of each of the plates 458 are attached to the opposing walls 468. Furthermore, the bottom 466 and the opposing walls 468 define a plurality of grooves 470 that extend in spaced and parallel relationship across the bottom 466 and into a portion of the walls 468, between each of the plates 458. The grooves 470 allow the plates 458 of the lower hinge 424 to interleave with the plates 458 of the upper hinge 436.

The next embodiment of the piling assembly 500, shown in FIGS. 19-30, comprises another type of height adjustable lower piling 512 hingedly connected to an upper piling 530. The lower piling has a first and a second end 514, 516 with a first longitudinal axis 518 extending therethrough. The upper piling 530 has a column 532 with a second longitudinal axis 534 extending therethrough.

In this type of height adjustable reinforcing cage 520, as shown in FIG. 19, concrete 522 is pre-cast into the shape of a lower piling 512 with a plurality of vertically extending holes (not shown), extending between the first and second end 514, 516, are also cast into the concrete 522. These holes can be lined with cast-in-place plastic tubing 521 which allows for the insertion and removal of vertical height adjusting rods 523 to facilitate height adjustment of the lower piling 512. Additionally, a vertical hole (not shown) is cast into center of the concrete 522, extending between the first and second ends 514, 516 and along the first longitudinal axis 518. Prior to shipment to the job site, the vertically threaded post tensioning rods 523 are inserted through each of a plurality of vertically extending holes (not shown) in an upper hinge 536, at the first end 514, and extend through the vertical holes in the lower piling 512. Additionally, the post tensioning rods 523 extend out of, and beyond, the second end 516 and are threaded through corresponding holes on the base plate 537, each terminating at a flanged nut 539. The flanged nuts 539 are in spaced relationship to the base plate 537 and the second end 516 and serve to anchor the lower piling 512 in concrete that is poured into the ground hole, around the lower piling 512. Alternative to threading the rods 523 through holes in the base plate, the holes in the base plate 537 can be oversized and additional nuts (not shown) can be used to secure the base plate 537 against the second end 516 of the lower piling 512. At the job site, if the height of the lower piling 512 needs to be reduced, the post tensioning rods 523, lower hinge 524 and base plate 537 are initially removed and the concrete 522 is cut to the desired height. Following trimming of the lower piling 512, the rods 523, lower hinge 524 and base plate 537 are reassembled to the lower piling 512. Additionally, the vertical push rod 525 is attached to a bearing plate 541 to create a push rod assembly 561, as shown in FIG. 22. The vertical push rod 525, with the bearing plate 541 attached, is inserted through the center hole of the lower piling 512, from the second end 516, along the first longitudinal axis 518. Next, a hole is dug into the earth for receiving a portion of the lower piling 512. Following excavation of the hole, the second end 516, and a portion of the lower piling 512 along with the bearing plate 541, is inserted into the ground, resting on the bearing plate 541. In the ground, the flanged nuts 539 are initially resting on the bearing plate 541. To set the overall height of the lower piling 512, a threaded height adjustment mechanism 551 is threadedly inserted through a center hole in the first end 514 at a threaded hole 543 in the lower hinge 524. As the mechanism 551 is threaded into the lower piling 512, it pushes against the push rod 525 of the push rod assembly 561, forcing the lower piling 512, and thus the flanged nuts 539, to move upward and away from the bearing plate 541. Once the desired height for the lower piling 512 is attained, concrete is poured into hole, stopping at least two inches above the base plate 537 to prevent the base plate 537 from corroding. Once the concrete in the hole is adequately set, the height adjustment mechanism 551 is unthreaded and removed from the center hole in the lower piling 512. Finally, the hole is back filled with dirt, concrete or any other suitable material.

To provide an attachment scheme for the upper piling 530, the lower hinge 524 extends from the first end 514 and defines at least one lower first hole 526 on a first axis 528 that is spaced from the first end 514. The upper piling 530 has a column 532 and a second longitudinal axis 534 extending therethrough. Typically, the column 532 is comprised of wood, steel, aluminum or a composite. The upper hinge 536 extends from the column 532 and defines at least one upper first hole 538 on the first axis 528. The lower hinge 524 also defines a lower second hole 548, on a second axis 550 which is spaced transversely across the lower piling 512 from the lower first hole 526 and spaced from the first end 514. The upper hinge 536 also defines an upper second hole 552, on the second axis 550, which is spaced transversely across the upper piling 530 from the upper first hole 538.

In the early stages of building construction, the upper and lower hinges 536, 524 are partially interleaved, as shown in FIG. 29, such that only a first pin 544 connects the upper hinge 536 to the lower hinge 524, along the first axis 528, and the second longitudinal axis 534, for the upper piling 530, is at an angle to the first longitudinal axis 518, for the lower piling 512. As a result, the columns 532 for the building can set tilted onto the ground. This position allows wall girts G to be connected to the columns 532 to facilitate the framing of an entire wall, or at least a portion of a wall, at ground level. Once the framing with the wall girts G is completed, the upper pilings 530 that form an entire wall, or a portion of a wall, are hoisted upward as a single unit, pivoting about the first pin 544 on the first axis 528. Then, the upper pilings 530 are hoisted upward, about the first axis 528, until the upper and lower hinges 536, 524 are completely interleaved with one another and the second axes 550, for the upper and lower second holes 552, 548, are aligned. When the hinges 536, 524 are completely interleaved, the first pin 544 is extending through the upper and lower first holes 526, 538, on the first axis 528, to engage and support the hinges 536, 524. Likewise, a second pin 554 is extending through the upper and lower second holes 552, 548, on the second axis 550, to engage and support the hinges 536, 524 when the longitudinal axes 518, 534 are aligned, as shown in FIG. 30.

Each of the upper and lower hinges 536, 524 include a first plurality of hinge knuckles 546, disposed about the first pin 544, where the knuckles 546 of the upper hinge 536 are interleaved with the knuckles 546 of the lower hinge 524. The knuckles 546 hold the first pin 544 in spaced relationship to the upper and lower pilings 530, 512 to transmit longitudinal forces between the pilings 530, 512 through the first pin 544. These forces include the loads resulting from the weight of the wall girts G, the roof, various other building materials and environmental factors. Similarly, the hinges 536, 524 include a second plurality of locking knuckles 556 that are disposed about the second pin 554 with the locking knuckles 556 of the upper hinge 536 interleaved with the locking knuckles 556 of the lower hinge 524. The locking knuckles 556 hold the second pin 554 in spaced relationship to the pilings 530, 512 to transmit longitudinal forces between the pilings 530, 512 totally through the first and second pins 544, 554. Therefore, the pins 544, 554 support the entire load provided by the upper pilings 530, wall girts G, the roof, various other building materials and environmental factors.

Each of the hinges 536, 524 includes a plurality of plates 558 that are in spaced and parallel relationship. A gap 569 is defined between each of the plates 558 to facilitate the upper hinge 536 interleaving with the lower hinge 524. The first hole 526 or 538 is defined through each of the plates 558, along the first axis 528. The second hole 548 or 552 is also defined through each of the plates 558, along the second axis 550, and spaced transversely across each of the plates 558 from the first hole 526 or 538 respectively. Furthermore, the plates 558 define a bottom edge 562 and end edges 564.

The lower hinge 524 is attached to the lower piling 512 at the bottom edge 562 and the holes 526, 548 are in spaced relationship from the lower piling 512. The upper hinge 536 includes a bottom 566 and a pair of opposing walls 568 that extend upward from the bottom 566, along the column 532. The bottom edge 562 of each of the plates 558 are attached to the bottom 566 of the upper hinge 536 and the end edges 564 of each of the plates 558 are attached to the opposing walls 568. Furthermore, the bottom 566 and the opposing walls 568 define a plurality of grooves 570 that extend in spaced and parallel relationship across the bottom 566 and into a portion of the walls 568, between each of the plates 558. The grooves 570 allow the plates 558 of the lower hinge 524 to interleave with the plates 558 of the upper hinge 536.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. In addition, the reference numerals in the claims are merely for convenience and are not to be read in any way as limiting. 

1. A piling assembly for a building comprising: a lower piling having a first and a second end and a first longitudinal axis extending therethrough; a lower hinge extending from said first end and defining at least one lower first hole on a first axis spaced from said end; an upper piling having a column and a second longitudinal axis extending therethrough; an upper hinge extending from said column and defining at least one upper first hole on said first axis, wherein said hinges are interleaved with one another, wherein said hinges include a first plurality of hinged knuckles disposed about said first pin with the knuckles of said upper hinge interleaved with a second plurality of knuckles of said lower hinge, wherein said first plurality of knuckles hold said first pin in spaced relationship to said pilings for transmitting longitudinal forces between said pilings through said first pin; one of said hinges including a plurality of plates in spaced and parallel relationship with a gap defined between each of said plates and said first hole of one of said hinges is defined through each of said plates along said first axis; a first pin extending through said upper and lower first holes, on said first axis for engaging and supporting said hinges when said longitudinal axes are aligned; and, said lower hinge defining a lower second hole on a second axis spaced transversely across said lower piling from said lower first hole and spaced from said first end and defining an upper second hole on said second axis spaced transversely across said upper piling from said upper first hole; and including a second pin extending through said upper and lower second holes, on said second axis for exchanging and supporting said hinges when said longitudinal axes are aligned.
 2. A piling assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said hinges, include a second plurality of locking knuckles disposed about said second pin with said locking knuckles of said upper hinge interleaved with said locking knuckles of said lower hinge.
 3. A piling assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein said locking knuckles hold said second pin in spaced relationship to said pilings for transmitting longitudinal forces between said pilings totally through said first and second pins.
 4. A piling assembly as set forth in claim 3 wherein said second hole is defined through each of said plates along said second axis and spaced transversely across said plates from said first hole.
 5. A piling assembly as set forth in claim 4 wherein said plates define a bottom edge and end edges.
 6. A piling assembly as set forth in claim 5 wherein one of said hinges includes a bottom and a pair of opposing walls extending from said bottom along said column.
 7. A piling assembly as set forth in claim 6 wherein said plates being attached to said bottom at said bottom edge and at said opposing walls at said end edges.
 8. A piling assembly as set forth in claim 7 wherein said bottom and said opposing walls define a plurality of grooves extending in spaced and parallel relationship between said plates and across said bottom and into a portion of said walls.
 9. A piling assembly as set forth in claim 5 wherein said plates being attached to said lower piling at said bottom edge and said holes being in spaced relationship from said lower piling.
 10. A piling assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein the other one of said hinges includes a plurality of plates in spaced and parallel relationship with a gap defined between each of said plates and said first hole of the other one of said hinges is defined through each of said plates along said first axis.
 11. A piling assembly as set forth in claim 1 including a reinforcing cage extending between said ends; and concrete encasing said cage.
 12. A piling assembly as set forth in claim 11 wherein said concrete defines a plurality of thru-holes for attaching framing pieces to said piling.
 13. A piling assembly for a building comprising: a lower piling having a first and a second end and a first longitudinal axis extending therethrough; a lower hinge extending from said first end and defining at least one lower first hole on a first axis spaced from said end; an upper piling having a column and a second longitudinal axis extending therethrough; an upper hinge extending from said column and defining at least one upper first hole on said first axis; Said hinges are interleaved with one another and include a first plurality of hinge knuckles disposed about said first pin with the knuckles of said upper hinge interleaved with said knuckles of said lower hinge, a first pin extending through said upper and lower first holes on said first axis for engaging and supporting said hinges when said longitudinal axes are aligned with said knuckles holding said first pin in spaced relationship to said pilings for transmitting longitudinal forces between said pilings through said first pin; said lower hinge defining a lower second hole on a second axis spaced transversely across said lower piling from said lower first hole and spaced from said first end and defining an upper second hole on said second axis spaced transversely across said upper piling from said upper first hole with said hinges including a second plurality of locking knuckles disposed about a second pin with said locking knuckles of said upper hinge interleaved with said locking knuckles of said lower hinge; said second pin extending through said upper and lower second holes on said second axis for engaging and supporting said hinges when said longitudinal axes are aligned with said locking knuckles holding said second pin in spaced relationship to said pilings for transmitting longitudinal forces between said pilings totally through said first and second pins; and one of said hinges including a plurality of plates in spaced and parallel relationship with a gap defined between each of said plates and said first hole of one of said hinges is defined through each of said plates along said first axis. 